What is SSIC Code & ROC in Singapore?

Navigating Singapore’s business registration process begins with selecting the correct SSIC code—your Singapore Standard Industrial Classification code. This 5-digit, hierarchical code (based on ISIC but tailored by the Department of Statistics Singapore) classifies your company’s primary economic activity. The SSIC code isn’t just bureaucracy; it directly affects licensing requirements, eligibility for government grants, tax incentives, and loan approvals. Meanwhile, ACRA (Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority), Singapore’s Registrar of Companies, ensures compliance under the Companies Act, making correct SSIC code selection critical from the outset.
Choosing the right SSIC code impacts your business in multiple ways, including statistical tracking, government reporting, and long-term corporate strategy. Common errors, such as mismatched codes, can delay applications and result in fines. Whether you run a café (SSIC code 56112) or a fintech startup (SSIC code 63120), understanding SSIC codes in Singapore, their importance, how to search for them, and how to update them is crucial for compliance and smooth operations.

What Are SSIC Codes in Singapore?

SSIC codes reflect your principal revenue-generating activity and are used to aggregate industry data for both government and market analysis. Each SSIC code consists of up to five digits and follows a hierarchical structure:

• 21 broad categories (A–U)
• 3-digit divisions
• 4-digit groups
• 5-digit classes

For example:

• 56: Food and beverage service activities
• 561: Restaurants, cafés, food courts
• 56112: Cafés

This hierarchy allows precise classification and helps businesses benchmark against competitors. While ISIC provides a global classification, Singapore’s SSIC codes are tailored for local nuances and are regularly updated to accommodate emerging industries.

Authorities in Singapore use SSIC codes to:

• Track economic trends and manage statistical analysis
• Determine licence and regulatory requirements
• Qualify businesses for grants, tax incentives, and subsidies
• Evaluate eligibility for loan or grant applications

SSIC codes are essential for Singapore’s business ecosystem, helping authorities monitor and regulate industries while ensuring businesses are correctly aligned with national policies. Regular updates to SSIC codes reflect changes in the economy, adoption of international standards, and new business activities.

Additionally, SSIC codes assist in:

• Determining if a company requires additional business licences
• Assessing eligibility for corporate tax benefits

Most Common SSIC Codes in Singapore

Here’s a snapshot of frequently used SSIC codes for different sectors:

How to Search for Your SSIC Code in Singapore

Follow these steps to find the appropriate SSIC code for your Singapore business:

1. Visit the BizFile website (Singapore government portal).
2. Enter keywords that describe your business activity and click search.
3. Review the suggested SSIC codes and select the one that closely matches your core activity.
4. Ensure your keywords are accurate and commonly used in your industry.
5. If no results appear, try alternative keyword combinations.
6. For manual search, refer to ACRA’s keyword-based SSIC list, which contains all relevant Singapore SSIC categories.

How to Input the Right SSIC Code

When registering your business, choose the SSIC code that aligns with your primary business activities. For example:

• A financial holding company should use SSIC code 64201.
• You can then apply for the necessary licence to operate legally in Singapore.

Tip: Include a brief but descriptive business activity summary in your company profile. ACRA allows flexibility beyond the standard SSIC description to provide a clear representation of your operations.

Keep in mind:

• Holding companies are subject to higher corporate tax rates in Singapore.
• Certain deductions may not be available for holding companies.

How to Change Your SSIC Code in Singapore

To update your SSIC code:

1. The company secretary must submit an application to ACRA.
2. SSIC code updates are allowed after incorporation.
3. There is no limit on the number of times the code can be changed.

Limitations of SSIC Codes for Singapore Companies

Every Singapore company must hold at least one SSIC code, with the option for a secondary code. Guidelines include:

• Primary SSIC code: Main source of revenue
• Secondary SSIC code: Significant but non-dominant activity

Maximum allowed: 2 SSIC codes. Choosing the right codes reduces administrative overhead and ensures proper classification for licences, grants, and tax purposes.

Registering a Company with ACRA

Foreigners must register Singapore companies via a professional corporate services firm, while locals may self-register or use a service provider. Steps include:

1. Log in to BizFile with CorpPass or SingPass.
2. Submit an application for your company name.
3. Receive a name approval transaction number upon approval.
4. Enter company details: directors, secretary, shareholders, registered address, and constitution.
5. Make payment for registration fees.
6. Receive an email confirming successful registration and your Unique Entity Number (UEN), which also serves as an electronic certificate of formation